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Shelf Life - Date A Live II

Paul takes on the second season of Date A Live, which unbelievably manages to cram in even more superpowered girls than the first season. PLUS: This week's new anime releases! ― I had a very small, very nerdy epiphany this week. I was shopping around for some new miniatures for the X-Wing tabletop game when it occurred to me that some things change very little from childhood to adulthood. I still pl...
review

Maken-Ki! Two BD+DVD

The second series for this fan service fest is a slight improvement over the first, but that isn't saying much. ― Heavy fan service shows may have gotten more sophisticated in their characterizations and storytelling over the past few years, but that is only on the average. The classic big, dumb booby show still pops up on a regular basis because they still sell well enough on both sides of the Pacif...
review

The Other Side of Secret GN 1

Blending fanservice with an interesting plot, The Other Side of Secret's first volume shows some potential even as it spends most of its time setting up. ― Don't let the boobs on the cover turn you off – underneath the fanservice element (which will be an added appeal for some readers) is an interesting story about mysterious doors and dark otherworlds. While I wouldn't call this a tame book (althoug...
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Wednesday, May 18

news

Latest Sailor Moon Musical Reveals Brand-New Main Cast, October Debut

Musical opens in Tokyo, followed by performances in Fukuoka, Osaka ― The website Comic Natalie revealed the five new main actresses in the fourth 20th-anniversary stage musical of Naoko Takeuchi's Sailor Moon manga on Wednesday. The musical will debut with an initial run at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo venue from October 15 to 23, before moving to Canal City Theater in Fukuoka from October 29 to 30, an...

Tuesday, May 17

news

Female Idol Group Otome Shintō Breaks Up in July

Group formed in 2012 & sang themes for GJ Club, Ai Tenchi Muyo!, Nurse Witch Komugi R ― The female idol group Otome Shintō announced on their official website on Monday that the group will break up after their concert at TSUTAYA O-WEST in Shibuya, Tokyo on July 3. The band states that the group is breaking up so that each member can pursue their own projects. They thanked their fans for their support...
news

Hayate the Combat Butler Manga's Story Approaches Climax

Volume 48 ships on Wednesday as "finale begins" ― The wraparound jacket band of Kenjirou Hata's 48th Hayate the Combat Butler (Hayate no Gotoku!) manga volume confirmed on Wednesday that the manga's story is approaching its climax. The accompanying blurb teases, "The long journey is ending. And so, the finale begins…” Viz Media is publishing the manga in North America, and it describes the series: Ha...
interest

Music Unit eyelis' New Album Includes Group's Anisong Works

The musical unit eyelis has created theme songs for Hayate the Combat Butler: Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Unlimited Psychic Squad, and the most recent season of Snow White with the Red Hair. The unit, consisting of Satomi Kawasaki, Takeshi Masuda, and Wataru Maeguchi formed in 2012 and they released their first single the same year. On Wednesday, the group will release the full-length album cresce...
interest

Midori/Shōjo Tsubaki Café Isn't for the Faint of Heart

If the idea of an eyeball panacotta and a sundae topped with maggots doesn't have you screaming in terror, the stomach-churning Shojo Tsubaki cafe might be up your alley. The café "holy" in the Daikanyamachō area of Shibuya is getting a menu makeover from May 24-31 to mark the debut of the live-action "erotic grotesque" film based on Suehiro Maruo's Shojo Tsubaki horror manga. A store inside the c...
news

North American Anime, Manga Releases, May 15-21

Assassination Classroom, Black Butler Book of Murder anime; Monster Musume I Heart Monster Girls, To The Abandoned Sacred Beasts manga ship ― Anime Releases Title Publisher Suggested Retail Price Date Akame ga Kill Collection 2 Limited Edition BD/DVD + CDPlease Sentai Filmworks US$129.98 May 17 Akame ga Kill Collection 2 BDCite Sentai Filmworks US$69.98 May 17 Akame ga Kill Collection 2 DVDAnimeNewsN...
news

Paramount Pictures Streams Satoshi Kon's Millennium Actress Film

English-subtitled video available in the US ― Paramount Pictures posted late director Satoshi Kon's Millennium Actress film in its entirety on its Paramount Vault YouTube channel on Tuesday. The film is available for free in the United States only, in Japanese with English subtitles. Paramount Pictures describes the story: Following up on his highly acclaimed animated psychological thriller Perfect B...
news

Ace Attorney 6 Video Previews DLC Chapter About Time Travel, Marriage

Characters hold court to try to figure out the DLC chapter's story ― The Japanese website for CAPCOM's Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice (Gyakuten Saiban 6) Nintendo 3DS game began streaming a video preview of a DLC chapter on Tuesday. The chapter will be available for free download in Japan from June 30-July 20, after which time there will be a charge to play it. In the video, the cha...
interest

Hikaru Utada's 1st MV in 6 Years Uses Stop-Motion Animation

Singer Hikaru Utada released a 30-second preview of her music video for her single "Hanataba o Kimi ni" (Bouquet for You), the artist's first in six years. The video uses stop-motion animation with artwork by Keiko Tsuji. A music video preview for the track "Manatsu no Tōriame" (Midsummer Shower) is also streaming. Longer version of both videos can be viewed at Utada's website. Singles for both tr...

MB VoiceWorks Dubbing Production Company Closes

Media Blasters will continue to have in-house dubbing team ― MB VoiceWorks co-founders Melanie Ehrlich and Brittany Lauda announced on Facebook on Monday that they are closing the New York-based production company to focus on their individual careers. Media Blasters commented on Facebook that it will still have an in-house English dubbing team. Lauda will continue to lead the dubbing department and d...
interest

Hentai Kamen's Revealing Superhero Garb Now a Costume

The barely-there costume worn by panty-mask superhero Hentai Kamen will be available for sale to anyone brave enough to wear it. Don Quijote and MEGA Don Quijote retailers will stock the costume set. Each set comes with the face transformation mask, panty mask, the V-shaped bodysuit, beige inner pants to wear underneath (lest onlookers get a real eyefull), and fishnet stockings. Price for the set...
news

Gainax, Livedoor Co-Founders Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for 'Rocket-Dan' Anime Short

Campaign already raised 1.5 million yen to make sci-fi short ― Gainax co-founder Toshio Okada and Livedoor founder and former president Takafumi Horie launched a crowdfunding campaign on the Campfire website last Friday. The campaign is seeking funds for the production of a three to ten-minute short anime tentatively titled "Rocket-Dan" (Rocket Man). The anime is part of Okada and Horie's "Minna no A...
ep. review

One Piece ‒ Episode 741

"The Dressrosa arc is going to end one of these days, I swear."
news

Kaito Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Yoshino Join DAYS Soccer Anime's Cast

Series adapting Tsuyoshi Yasuda's manga premieres this summer ― This year's 25th issue of Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine is revealing additional cast information for the television anime of Tsuyoshi Yasuda's DAYS soccer manga on Wednesday. The new cast members are: Kaito Ishikawa (My Hero Academia's Tenya Iida, Haikyu!!'s Tobio Kageyama) as Tetsuya Nitobe Hiroyuki Yoshino (Grimgar of Fantasy and A...

Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Announced for PS4, Xbox One, PC in 2016

Dimps returns to develop sequel ― Bandai Namco Entertainment's web countdown ended on Tuesday with an announcement of the Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 game for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam) this year. The game's website confirms that Dimps is developing the title after it worked on the first Xenoverse game. The first game shipped for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 conso...
ep. review

Sailor Moon Crystal: Season III ‒ Episode 33

"Who would have thought that Sailor Moon Crystal was capable of a genuine cliff-hanger ending?"

Fairy Tail's Unaired 'Fairy Penalty Game' Anime Previewed in Video

Girls wear maid & Playboy bunny outfits as punishment for losing game in May 17 DVD ― Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine posted a promotional video for the original animation DVD that is bundled with Hiro Mashima's 55th Fairy Tail manga volume on Tuesday. The DVD adapts the "Yōsei-tachi no Batsu Game" (Fairy Penalty Game), a one-shot manga spinoff that ran in the August 2013 issue of Kodansha's Magazi...
news

Japan's Animation DVD Ranking, May 9-15

Yuuki Kaji, Hiro Shimono, & Showtaro Morikubo's DVD sells 3,957, followed by Kamen Rider Ghost & Drive, Mr. Osomatsu, live-action Assassination Classroom sequel's song, One Piece ― Yuuki Kaji, Hiro Shimono, and Showtaro Morikubo's Seiyū Datte Tabi Shimasu Vol. 3 Kaji Yuuki, Shimono Hiro, Morikubo Showtaro/Kyoto-Hen debuted at #6 on the overall DVD chart with 3,957 copies. Kamen Rider Ghost & Drive Ch...
news

Japan's Animation Blu-ray Disc Ranking, May 9-15

Kamen Rider Kuuga sells 6,070, followed by Kamen Rider Ghost & Drive, last Tamayura film, Jam Project, 6 Girls & Panzer volumes Kamen Rider Kuuga Blu-ray Box 3 sold 6,070 copies to rank #4 on the overall Blu-ray Disc chart. The Kamen Rider Ghost & Drive Chō Movie Taisen Genesis Collector's Pack landed at #11 with 2,235 copies. The regular Blu-ray + DVD version was #19 with 1,342 copies. Jam Project...
news

Maon Kurosaki, TRUSTRICK Perform Danganronpa 3 Anime's 'Future Arc' Opening Song

TRUSTRICK previously performed theme songs for Danganronpa stage plays ― The official website for this year's Danganronpa 3 -The End of Kibōgamine Gakuen- (Danganronpa 3 -The End of Hope's Peak Academy-) television anime announced on Tuesday that Maon Kurosaki and the band TRUSTRICK will collaborate perform the opening theme song for the anime's "Mirai Hen" (Future Arc). The theme song's title is "DE...
news

Girls & Panzer Drama CD Ranks #3 With 12,000 Copies

T.M. Revolution's album tops chart, Kazumasa Oda ranks #2 ― The Girls und Panzer drama CD Girls und Panzer Gekijōban Drama CD 5 - Atarashii Tomodachi ga Dekimashita! ranked #3 on the Oricon album chart for the May 9-15 week. It sold 12,467 copies. The drama CD shipped on May 11. The drama CD contained six stories titled "St. Gloriana's Senshadō Is Elegant Above All," "Clara's Secret," "The Summer Vac...
daily briefs

Pokémon GO Game App Launches Beta Registration in US, Australia, N. Zealand

The official website for The Pokemon Company International and Niantic Labs' upcoming Pokémon GO iOS and Android app game started registration for the game's closed beta test in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand on Monday. Players will use the app to be able to find Pokémon in the real world using location-based technology. Certain Pokémon are available only in certain areas: for examp...
news

Studio Ghibli Animator Makiko Futaki Passes Away at 58

Worked on most Ghibli films, Honnêamise, Moribito novel covers ― Studio Ghibli animator Makiko Futaki passed away last Friday, May 13, while being treated for an illness. She was 58. Her close relatives held a private funeral for her. Futaki began her professional career as an in-between animator in Telecom Animation Film, working on episode #153 of Lupin III: Part II. Before this, she had already be...
daily briefs

Bandai Namco Opens Dragon Ball Countdown Site

Bandai Namco Entertainment launched a website featuring a countdown timer and images of previous films, television anime, and games from the Dragon Ball franchise. The countdown will end on Tuesday, May 17. Bandai Namco Entertainment's latest game in the franchise is the Dragon Ball Fusions Nintendo 3DS game which features new "EX Fusions" between characters. [Via Kanzenshuu]
news

Kenji Kamiyama's Hirune Hime Anime Film Unveils Teaser, Lead Actress

Mitsuki Takahata voices main character Kokone Morikawa in 2017 film ― The official website for Hirune Hime ~Shiranai Watashi no Monogatari~ (Napping Princess: The Story of the Unknown Me), the new anime film project by director Kenji Kamiyama, began streaming a teaser for the film on Tuesday. The video features the first animated footage for the film, and it previews the film's main character, Kokone...

Monday, May 16

news

One Piece Film Gold's Trailer Reveals GLIM SPANKY's Theme Song

Mayumi Kojima's insert song also titled for July 23 ― The official website for the One Piece Film Gold anime movie began streaming a trailer for the film on Tuesday. The trailer reveals and previews the film's theme song "Ikari o Kure yo" by GLIM SPANKY, and also reveals the title of Mayumi Kojima's insert song as "Gold & Jive ~ Silver Ocean." Tesoro: Welcome to the world's largest entertainment city...
interest

All Out!! Rugby Anime Inspires 3 New Figures

This year's upcoming rugby anime All Out!! attracted attention with its announcement flyer, specifically Captain Takuya Sekizan's front and center derriere. Union Creative's Menshdge Technical statue line is adding three of the characters from the manga and anime, bringing their athleticism into the 3D world. Captain Sekizan, the timid and shy protagonist Sumiaki Iwashimizu, and Wing-position Mas...
interest

Art of War Will Re-Release "Spinning Cannon Slice Guts" Statue in 2 Versions

The Kensin production company's Art of War store announced that it will re-release its "Guts -The Spinning Cannon Slice" statue from Kentarou Miura's Berserk manga. Art of War will release the 1/6-scale statue in normal and "Blood Splatter" versions at the end of July or early August. The re-release is to commemorate the upcoming Berserk television anime debuting this summer. The statues are re-r...
news

Japan's Animation TV Ranking, May 2-9

Dragon Ball Super, Ace Attorney, Yo-Kai Watch anime air ― Title Station Date Time Length Average Household Rating Sazae-san Fuji TV May 8 (Sun) 18:30 30 min. 11.9 Crayon Shin-chan TV Asahi May 6 (Fri) 19:30 24 min. 10.7 Doraemon TV Asahi May 6 (Fri) 19:00 30 min. 9.1 Detective Conan NTV May 7 (Sat) 18:00 30 min. 7.8 Chibi Maruko-chan Fuji TV May 8 (Sun) 18:00 30 min. 7.6 One Piece Fuji TV May 8 (Sun...

Japan's Animation TV Ranking, April 25-May 1

Rebroadcast of Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit begins ― Title Station Date Time Length Average Household Rating Sazae-san Fuji TV May 1 (Sun) 18:30 30 min. 12.8 One Piece Fuji TV May 1 (Sun) 09:30 30 min. 8.7 Chibi Maruko-chan Fuji TV May 1 (Sun) 18:00 30 min. 8.5 Crayon Shin-chan TV Asahi April 29 (Fri) 19:30 24 min. 8.3 Detective Conan NTV April 30 (Sat) 18:00 30 min. 8.3 Doraemon TV Asahi April...
news

Japan's Animation TV Ranking, April 11-17

Detective Conan: Sunflowers of Inferno, Thermae Romae 2 films air ― The 19th Detective Conan (Case Closed) film, Detective Conan: Sunflowers of Inferno, aired on NTV on Friday, April 15 at 9:00 p.m. and earned a 10.5% rating. The second live-action film adaptation of Mari Yamazaki's Thermae Romae manga aired on Fuji TV on Wednesday, April 12 at 1:25 a.m. and earned a 0.9% rating. Title Station Date T...
interest

30 Countries Prepare for World Cosplay Summit 2016 in Nagoya

Cosplay enthusiasts are preparing to descend on Nagoya City in Aichi prefecture for the 14th annual World Cosplay Summit. A total of 30 countries are competing for the title. Last year's competition ultimately crowned Mexico's Twin Cosplay as champions. This year, the competition is adding Canada, India, Switzerland, and Sweden for the first time. The championship is also expanding to cover two da...
news

Mystery Chronicle: One-Way Heroics Game Heads West on PS4/PS Vita

Spike Chunsoft adapted 2012 indie game into Mystery Dungeon series last year ― Spike Chunsoft announced on the US PlayStation Blog on Monday that it will release its Mystery Chronicle: One-Way Heroics game in North America for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita. The game will have cross buy support, where players can buy one version and also receive the other. The game has also been rated in Europe a...

Kodansha Manga Awards Winners Announced

DAYS; Kiss Him, Not Me; Kōnodori win ― Japanese publisher Kodansha announced the winners on Monday for its 40th annual Manga Awards. Best Shōnen Manga DAYS Tsuyoshi Yasuda Magazine: Weekly Shonen Magazine (Kodansha) Summary: Two boys met on a stormy night: Tsukushi, a boy with no special traits at all, and Jin, a soccer genius. On that night, Jin drags Tsukushi into the world of high school soccer. O...
interest

My Melody Pulls Ahead in Sanrio's 2016 Character Popularity Poll

My Melody has pulled ahead of last year's winner and preliminary front runner Pom Pom Purin in Sanrio's 2016 character popularity poll. Purin is trailing behind Melody in second place followed by the steadfast Cinnamon in third. Hello Kitty has managed to jump the ranks from eighth to fourth with Gudetama holding his own in fifth. The current Top 10: My Melody Pom Pom Purin Cinnamon Hello Kitty G...
news

Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius Smartphone Game Heads West This Summer

Preregistration now open ― Square Enix announced on Monday that it has opened preregistration for a western release of the iOS and Android game Final Fantasy: Brave Exvius. The app is slated to launch this summer, and will be available in six languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, and Korean. Players who preregister can receive exclusive in-game items. The number of items r...
news

Ange Vierge TV Anime's Promo Video Introduces Alternate World Fantasy

July anime of Kadokawa/Sega trading cards stars Minako Kotobuki, Yumi Hara, Aki Toyosaki, Rika Tachibana, Sarah Emi Bridcutt ― The official website for the television anime of Kadokawa and Sega's Ange Vierge trading card game began streaming an advance promotional video on Monday. Text: This world is trying to be lost. Text: The blue world we live on: Earth. Text: The black world that controls the ni...
news

Three Leaves, Three Colors Unaired Episode's 1st Minute Streamed

1st BD/DVD to include "Kinoko wa Karada ni Iinda yo!" ― Toho's animation YouTube channel began streaming the first minute of the first unaired original video animation (OVA) episode for Three Leaves, Three Colors (Sansha Sanyō) on Monday. The episode is titled "Kinoko wa Karada ni Iinda yo!" (Mushrooms are Good For Your Body!). The episode will be included with the first Blu-ray Disc/DVD, which will ...
interest

Erotic Manga Magazine to Feature Ancient But Youthful-Looking Women

Anime and manga are full of characters who look young, even childlike, but are actually centuries old. Think of Sasami in Tenchi Muyo!, Holo from Spice and Wolf, Mito in Space Pirate Mito, or Tomoe from Kamisama Kiss. An erotic manga magazine focusing on these characters (just female ones, though) was announced in December: Towako ("Eternal Damsels"). Towako will be published by Akane Shinsha, whi...

Alexis Tipton, Jeannie Tirado, Tabitha Ray Star in Three Leaves, Three Colors English Broadcast Dub

Kyle Phillips plays Mitsugu Yamaji ― Funimation Entertainment announced the English Broadcast Dub voice cast for Three Leaves, Three Colors (Sansha Sanyō) on Monday. The cast, under ADR director Tyler Walker, stars: Alexis Tipton as Yoko Nishikawa Jeannie Tirado as Futaba Odagiri Tabitha Ray as Hayama Kyle Phillips as Mitsugu Yamaji Funimation streamed the first episode of the Broadcast Dub on Sunday...
column

Answerman - Will Anime Discs Keep Being Sold At Major Retailers?

Many fans have noticed the dwindling real estate held by anime DVDs and blurays on retail shelves nationwide - is this trend eventually going to spell the end of anime in major retail locations? ― Dominic asks: When it comes with selling anime to physical retailers, some publishers, such as Aniplex of America, PonyCan USA and NISA, only sell to specialist anime stores (for example: Anime Jungle in L...

Keijo!!!!!!!! TV Anime's Cast, Staff Revealed

Lynn, M.A.O, Kaede Hondo, Saori Ōnishi star in aquatic sports anime ― This year's 25th issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine is revealing new cast and staff information on Wednesday for the upcoming television anime adaptation of Daichi Sorayomi's Keijo!!!!!!!! (Hip Whip Girl) aquatic sports manga. The anime will star: Lynn (High School Fleet's Mashiro Munetani, Undefeated Bahamut Chron...

Detective Opera Milky Holmes Gets New Anime on December 31

Fan club to also hold countdown event on New Year's Eve ― The "Live Milky Holmes Full Color Festival" concerts announced this past weekend that production on a brand-new animation has been green-lit. The anime will air on December 31, and fan club members can attend an exclusive countdown live event on the same day. More details will be revealed on the Detective Opera Milky Holmes franchise's portal ...

Yo-kai Watch 2 Games Head to U.S. in September After 2nd Anime Season's Summer Debut

New 3DS games launch along with new Yo-kai Watch Model Zero toy this fall ― Nintendo announced on Monday that Level-5's Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits and Yo-kai Watch 2: Fleshy Souls games will debut on the Nintendo 3DS in the United States on September 30. In addition, Disney XD will run the second season of the Yo-kai Watch anime this summer. Nintendo's press release describes the second season whic...
column

Shelf Life - Date A Live II

Paul takes on the second season of Date A Live, which unbelievably manages to cram in even more superpowered girls than the first season. PLUS: This week's new anime releases! ― I had a very small, very nerdy epiphany this week. I was shopping around for some new miniatures for the X-Wing tabletop game when it occurred to me that some things change very little from childhood to adulthood. I still pl...
review

Maken-Ki! Two BD+DVD

The second series for this fan service fest is a slight improvement over the first, but that isn't saying much. ― Heavy fan service shows may have gotten more sophisticated in their characterizations and storytelling over the past few years, but that is only on the average. The classic big, dumb booby show still pops up on a regular basis because they still sell well enough on both sides of the Pacif...
news

Caligula PS Vita RPG Gets Limited Edition PS Vita Models

Bundles feature 4 different laser-etched designs based on June 23 game ― Sony's Japanese PlayStation website announced on Monday that Sony will release special collaboration models of the PlayStation Vita that will celebrate the release of FuRyu's upcoming Caligula PS Vita role-playing game. There will be four models, all in Glacier White color. They will be available in four different bundles on Jun...
news

My Hero Academia: Battle for All Gameplay Video Previews All Might

May 19 game features same voice cast as anime, includes side stories for each playable character ― The official website of Bandai Namco Entertainment's My Hero Academia: Battle for All Nintendo 3DS game began streaming one more gameplay video on Sunday featuring All Might. The video previews All Might's fighting style and his "One for All" quirk. Although All Might is extremely powerful, his quirk ha...
news

UPPERS Game's New Videos Preview Wall Breaking, Human Pole Techniques

Brawler game set on island where brawling is entertainment slated for July 14 ― Game developer Marvelous began streaming two more gameplay videos on Sunday for its upcoming PlayStation Vita brawler action game Uppers. The first video previews the wall breaking technique, while the second video previews the human pole technique. Marvelous previously streamed four gameplay videos showcasing other techn...
views

The SPJA Needs to Change This Policy

The new SPJA Youth Protection Policy might seem like a good idea, but it could well destroy Anime Expo. ― On Tuesday, at an SPJA board meeting, the SPJA board of directors will be making a very important decision that could have long reaching consequences for Anime Expo. During this meeting the board will decide how to address problems with their new Youth Protection Policy, problems that many AX par...
news

Ange Vierge TV Anime Reveals Staff, Theme Songs, More Cast

Yukari Tamura cast; Konomi Suzuki performs opening theme song for July anime ― The official Twitter account of Kadokawa and Sega's Ange Vierge trading card game announced on Monday that the game's upcoming television anime has cast Yukari Tamura as the character Amane Ayashiro. Kōshi Sasagi designed the character. In addition, Konomi Suzuki posted on Twitter that she will perform the anime's opening ...
news

Plot Details Revealed for 2 New Ushijima the Loan Shark Live-Action Films

Both films open in fall, season 3 of live-action show premieres July ― This year's 25th issue of Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine revealed plot details on Monday for the two upcoming live-action film adaptations of Shohei Manabe's Ushijima the Loan Shark (Yamikin Ushijima-kun) manga. The Yamikin Ushijima-kun Part 3 film will cover the "Free agent-kun" and "Chūnen kaishain-kun" (Middle-a...
daily briefs

Hentai Kamen Manga's Creation Told in 1-Shot on Shonen Jump+ App

Manga creator Keishuu Andou launched a new Hentai Kamen manga chapter on Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ website and app on Saturday titled "Tanjō!! Hentai Kamen." The manga tells the previously unknown story of how Andou created the original Hentai Kamen manga. Shonen Jump+ is also releasing the first seven chapters of the original manga for free. The website and app are releasing a new chapter every day...
news

7th Dragon III Code: VFD 3DS Game's Battle System Trailer Streamed

Sega's dungeon crawler RPG slated for July 12 ― Sega of America began streaming an English trailer on Friday previewing the battle system of its upcoming American release of its 7th Dragon III Code: VFD Nintendo 3DS game. The video previews the support abilities, buddy skills, and unison skills that players can use to defeat the game's dragon antagonists. Sega of America previously streamed a trailer...
daily briefs

Yomawari PS Vita Horror Game Listed With PC Version

The Entertainment Software Rating Board's (ESRB) rating for NIS America's upcoming release of the Yomawari: Night Alone horror game lists a PC release for the game, aside from the previously announced PlayStation Vita release. The ESRB rated the game "T" for teen audiences. NIS America will release the game on the PS Vita later this year. NIS America's official website describes the game: A young ...

Hyouka Anime's Original Novel Series Adds New Volume

6th volume collects previously published short stories in November ― Novelist Honobu Yonezawa announced on Twitter on Saturday that he plans to release a new volume in his Kotenbu series of mystery novels in November. The new volume will collect previously published short stories in the series, including "Renpō wa Hareteiru ka?" "Kagami ni wa Utsuranai," "Nagai Kyūjitsu," and "Ima Sara Tsubasa o Iwar...
news

Girls & Panzer Film Expands to 153 Screens, Adds More 4DX Screenings

Theaters screening film on Saturday for 27th week will give out film frames ― The official blog for the Girls und Panzer anime franchise announced last Friday that the film will screen on a total of 153 theaters starting on May 21, adding 38 theaters to the film's ongoing run. In addition, the film will once again be available in 4DX in selected theaters, after having just ended 4DX screenings on May...

My Hero Academia Anime Introduces Villain Tomura Shigaraki in Video Ad

Kouki Uchiyama voices nemesis debuting in episode 8 on May 22 ― The official website for the television anime of Kōhei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia) manga posted a video commercial and character designs for the villain Tomura Shigaraki on Sunday. Kouki Uchiyama will play the major nemesis, who will debut in the anime in the eighth episode on May 22. In the video, Tomura says, "...

Sunday, May 15

news

Blue Exorcist Stage Play Unveils New Visual, Additional Cast

Stage play based on Kazue Katō's manga series runs from August 5-14 in Tokyo ― The official website of Ao no Exorcist: Kyōto Guren-hen (Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Crimson Chapter), the new stage play adaptation of Kazue Katō's Blue Exorcist manga, revealed a new visual and additional cast members for the play on Sunday. The additional cast includes: Ikkei Yamamoto as Ryūji Suguro Kōji Saikawa as Renzō Shim...
news

Working/Wagnaria's New TV Anime Introduces Characters in Video

Yūichi Nakamura, Haruka Tomatsu, Kouki Uchiyama, Yōko Hikasa, Risa Taneda, Sora Amamiya, Kensho Ono star ― The official website for WWW.WORKING, the television anime of the web comic Web-ban Working!!, began streaming a video to introduce the characters on Monday. "WWW.Working!!" TV Anime | Character Intro PV 投稿者 pKjd Web-ban Working!! is a four-panel web comic spinoff of Karino Takatsu's original Wo...
news

May'n Sings Taboo-Tattoo Action TV Anime's Opening Theme

Macross F/Accel World/Aquarion Logos singer contributes to super-powered battle show ― The official website for the television anime of Shinjirō's Taboo Tattoo manga announced on Sunday that May'n (Macross Frontier, Accel World, Aquarion Logos) will perform the opening theme song "Belief." May'n says that she became a big fan of the manga after reading the entire series so far in one sitting. Shinjir...

Nintendo Aims for 3D Animation of Its Characters to Enter Film Business

Asahi: 3D films of Mario, Zelda, other games may be a few years away ― The game company Nintendo is in tie-up talks with multiple production companies throughout the world to enter the movie business. According to the Asahi Shimbun paper, Nintendo aims to strengthen its character franchise business and grow the number of people playing games. Asahi says that 3D animation of Super Mario Brothers and o...
interest

Japanese Readers Choose Sexiest Shonen Jump Villains

Two dastardly dreamboats tie for top spot ― As befits its action-packed, high-tension stories, Weekly Shonen Jump also boasts a diverse array of charismatic and diabolical villains. But which of them are sexy? There's no denying the appeal (for some at least) of sultry villainy, and the Japanese survey site Goo Ranking polled 500 Shonen Jump readers on the villains they thought were sexiest. The fanb...
ep. review

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- ‒ Episode 7

"...episode 7 marks the first time that it has taken itself completely seriously for a whole episode."
ep. review

My Hero Academia ‒ Episode 7

"Whether MHA graduates from its currently modest scope stands as my only real concern, but knowing how this show has been operating so far it'll probably have an answer to that worry soon enough."
news

Kagerou Daze Manga Enters New Arc This Fall

JIN, Mahiro Satou's manga goes on hiatus until then ― The June issue of Kodakawa's Monthly Comic Gene magazine revealed on Saturday that JIN and Mahiro Satou's Kagerou Daze manga will go on hiatus and then enter a new arc this fall. JIN's Kagerou Project began as a Vocaloid song series that JIN wrote and composed in 2011. JIN launched the Kagerou Daze light novel series in May 2012, with illustration...
interest

Spanish Soccer Team's New Kit Evokes Attack on Titan

Muscle-bound jersey resembles Colossal Titan ― The Spanish soccer team CD Palencia has debuted new kit to be worn in their upcoming playoffs. Its muscular theme has been called "horrendous" and "headache inducing" by the English-language media, but Japanese news sites are excited by its resemblance to the fearsome Colossal Titan in Attack on Titan. The bizarre uniforms are mostly an effort for Palenc...
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Of the Red, the Light, and the Ayakashi Manga Ends In June

Yen Press releases supernatural manga in N. America ― The June issue of Kodakawa's Monthly Comic Gene magazine revealed on Saturday that HaccaWorks* and Nanao's Of the Red, the Light, and the Ayakashi (Aka ya Akashi ya Ayakashi no) manga will end in the magazine's July issue, which ships on June 15. The manga adapts the dōjin game of the same name. Dōjin circle HaccaWorks* released the "spirited away...
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Bride's Story Cosplayer Heads to Mongolia for Extra-Realistic Photo Shoots

Previously visited Uzbekistan ― Cosplayers are known for their dedication, but it's unlikely you know one as dedicated as Matsuri. An avid fan of manga artist Kaoru Mori, and in particular her work A Bride's Story, she spent years recreating Amir's elaborate dress and embroidered it by hand. Matsuri also made Amir's headdress, boots, and accessories. She's finally finished the costume, but where to t...
ep. review

Haven't You Heard? I'm Sakamoto ‒ Episode 5

"At this point, Sakamoto himself can best be described as a predictably unpredictable character."
ep. review

Flying Witch ‒ Episode 6

"Flying Witch seems to understand that Chinatsu is its most charming character, as she got plenty more focus in this week's episode."
ep. review

High School Fleet ‒ Episode 6

"High School Fleet tries to do a little more than it has time for this week, and the result is an episode that feels pretty disjointed."
news

One Piece Film Gold Gets 3D/4D Screenings, Hands Out 'Volume 777' to Theatergoers (Updated)

Casino chip pre-order bonus also revealed for film opening on July 23 ― This year's 24th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine revealed on Monday that theatergoers who see the One Piece Film Gold anime film in Japan will receive a "Volume 777" book. Original manga creator Eiichiro Oda is compiling the volume, which will include rough character designs and "secret pages" published first in t...
ep. review

The Asterisk War ‒ Episode 19

"This episode gives off all the vibes of a penultimate episode, and yet we're only halfway through the season."
ep. review

Tanaka-kun is Always Listless ‒ Episode 6

"If you've ever wondered what depths someone would sink to in order to achieve ultimate laziness, Tanaka's got you covered."
news

Kagerou Project's JIN Launches Nirvana Manga in June

Artist Sayuki draws series about girl who is reincarnated in unknown world ― The June issue of Kodakawa's Monthly Comic Gene magazine revealed on Saturday that JIN (Kagerou Project) will launch a new manga with artist Sayuki (Mikagura School Suite manga) titled Nirvana in the magazine's July issue when it ships on June 15. Nirvana tells the story of a girl who is reincarnated in an unknown world. The...
news

The Boy and the Beast Film's Canadian Theater Lineup Revealed

Film ships in Canada on BD/DVD on June 7 with English dub, English & French subtitles ― The Star PR company revealed to ANN on Friday that Mongrel Media's theatrical release of Mamoru Hosoda's The Boy and the Beast film will play at the following Canadian theaters on May 27: Cineplex Yonge & Dundas, Toronto Cineplex Park Lane, Halifax Metro Cinema at the Garneau, Edmonton Globe Cinema, Calgary Roxy T...
news

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven Game's English Video Previews Part 4

Josuke Higashikata, Okuyasu Nijimura, Yoshikage Kira, more previewed for fighting game ― Bandai Namco Entertainment America and Europe began streaming a trailer on Friday for the upcoming fighting game JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Eyes of Heaven. The trailer previews the fourth part of the manga and anime, Diamond Is Unbreakable (Diamond wa Kudakenai). The game will ship for PlayStation 4 in North Ameri...
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Yowamushi Pedal Gets Spare Bike Anime Spinoff Before Season 3's January Debut

Spare Bike spinoff manga's anime to be shown in theaters in September ― The previously announced third television anime season based on Wataru Watanabe's Yowamushi Pedal manga will premiere next January. However, an anime adaptation of the spinoff manga Yowamushi Pedal: Spare Bike will have a limited two-week run in theaters this September. The story of the first Yowamushi Pedal manga centers around ...
news

One Piece: Burning Blood Game's Promo Video Previews Pirate Flag Battle Mode

Other online modes, pre-order bonus characters also previewed ― Bandai Namco Entertainment began streaming a promotional video for its One Piece Burning Blood PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, PC, and Xbox One game on Thursday. The video previews the game's online modes including Pirate Flag Battle mode, as well as the game's pre-order bonus characters. Bandai Namco Entertainment America began streami...
news

Caligula PS Vita Game's Video Outlines Basic Gameplay

Game centering on students trying to escape world made by virtual idol ships on June 23 ― Game developer FuRyu began streaming a gameplay video for its upcoming Caligula PlayStation Vita role-playing game on Thursday. The video previews the game's "imaginary chain" battle system that allows players to chain together attacks with multiple party members using the "daydream vision" mechanic, which lets ...
news

The King of Fighters XIV Video Highlights Team Japan Members

Pre-orders of August 23 fighting game come in steelbook packaging ― Atlus USA began streaming a video for for SNK Playmore's PlayStation 4 game The King of Fighters XIV on Friday. The video highlights the fighters that make up Team Japan: Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, and Goro Daimon. The end of the video reveals that those who pre-order the game will receive a limited-edition steel book packaging....
news

Dogenzaka Lab Releases M2's Malus Code Visual Novel on Steam

Kinetic horror visual novel includes Japanese voice acting for main heroines ― Japanese publisher Dogenzaka Lab released M2's Malus Code kinetic horror visual novel on Steam on May 6. Dogenzaka Lab previously streamed a trailer for the game in April. Malus Code is available on Steam for US$12.99 (or 1,280 yen in Japan). The visual novel includes Japanese voice acting for the three main heroines, anim...
news

Macross Delta's Walküre Idol Unit Announces 1st Full Album, Zepp Tour

Also: show tops Video Market website's anime rankings for week of May 2-9 ― The Macross Delta anime's in-story idol unit Walküre announced on Saturday that they will release their full first album. The album will have 12 songs and will ship on July 6. The unit's debut single shipped on May 11. Walküre is composed of five members, including 15-year-old JUNNA, who is the singing voice of lead vocalist ...
news

Danganronpa Stage Play Reveals Main Visual For Tokyo Run

Toru Kazama returns to play principal in video performance for play debuting in June ― The official website for the Danganronpa The Stage 2016 ~Kibō no Gakuen to Zetsubō no Kōkōsei~ (Danganronpa The Stage: 2016 The Academy of Hope and the High School Student of Despair) stage play revealed the play's new visual on Friday for its Tokyo run. The staff additionally revealed that Tōru Kazama is returning...

Yen Press Licenses Goblin Slayer! Dark Fantasy Light Novel, Manga Series

Company to still license series from outside of Kadokawa but gets "first-and-last-look" at Kadokawa manga ― Publishing news website Publishers Weekly announced on Friday that Yen Press has licensed author Kumo Kagyu and illustrator Noboru Kannatsuki's Goblin Slayer! fantasy light novel series, as well as Kōsuke Kurose's manga adaptation of the series. Yen Press will publish the manga simultaneously w...

Saturday, May 14

Funimation Reveals Broadcast Dub Cast for Endride Anime

Aaron Dismuke, Ian Sinclair star in dub; 1st episode available now ― North American anime distributor Funimation announced the English broadcast dub cast for the Endride anime on Saturday. The first episode of the broadcast dub is available now, and new episodes will debut every Sunday at 3:00 p.m. EDT. The cast, under ADR director Kyle Phillips and ADR engineer Jeremy Woods, includes: Aaron Dismuke ...
news

Love Roma's Minoru Ends 'Watashi ga Sekai o Mamorimasu' Manga 1-Shots

Standalone series of 1-shot manga launched ― The June issue of Shogakukan's Monthly Shonen Sunday magazine is revealing on Thursday that Minoru Toyoda (Love Roma) is ending his Watashi ga Sekai o Mamorimasu (I Will Protect the World) series of standalone one-shot manga in the magazine's next issue on June 11. Minoru also made the announcement on Twitter. Minoru launched the manga in February. Toyoda ...
interest

Nissin Asks Japanese Customers Which Foreign Cup Noodle Brand They Want to Sample

Choices range from Indonesia to Brazil to Germany ― Though they are a Japanese invention, instant noodles have spread around the world and are a staple of diets for busy people everywhere. Many of these flavors imitate local cuisine and are unknown to Japanese consumers. In order for its home customer base to get a taste of some of these soup broths, instant noodle producer Nissin is launching a camp...
news

Dallas' AnimeFest to Host Voice Actor Toshio Furukawa, Voice Actress Shino Kakinuma

Furukawa voiced DBZ's Piccolo, One Piece's Ace, Urusei Yatsura's Ataru, more ― AnimeFest announced on Thursday that it will host voice actor Toshio Furukawa and voice actress Shino Kakinuma at its August 12-15 event in Dallas, Texas. Toshio Furukawa began his prolific voice acting career in 1974. He has voiced dozens of roles including Piccolo in Dragon Ball Z, Portgas D. Ace in One Piece, Kageroza I...
interest

Laboratory Will Attempt to Recreate Scenes from Gundam: The Origin

Staffed by grown-up Gundam enthusiasts ― To celebrate the premiere of Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin III - Dawn of Rebellion on May 21, Animax has announced the launch of a laboratory, Gundam: The Origin Technology Labo, to attempt to recreate scenes from Gundam: The Origin. The teaser website sets out the laboratory's mission: To all adults who grew up watching Gundam: Do you remember the shock of G...
news

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Break Time Anime Shorts' 5th Episode Features Subaru, Roswaal

Latest episode of spinoff series of shorts features 2 characters in a bath ― The official website for the Re: Life in a different world from zero (Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu) television anime series began streaming the fifth episode of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Break Time on Tuesday. The spinoff anime short series airs after each episode of the main anime's airing. The episode will be availab...
interest

Toyota Uses Dragon Quest Monsters to Illustrate Appeal of Prius C

Also: win a Dragon Quest monster-themed toy car ― Toyota's compact car, the Prius c (called the Aqua in Japan), has recently reached the milestone of 1 million units in global sales. To show off, Toyota revamped its website to explain the car's appeal using monsters from the classic RPG series Dragon Quest. Golems adorn its trophies for best-selling car in Japan. Its fuel efficiency makes the Prius c...
news

Anime Expo Hosts Chaika, Sound! Euphonium Voice Actress Chika Anzai

Anime Expo appearance will be Anzai's 1st U.S. convention appearance ― Los Angeles anime convention Anime Expo announced on Tuesday that it will host voice actress Chika Anzai at this year's event. This will be her first appearance at a United States convention. She will host a Q&A panel and autograph sessions during the convention. Anzai has played roles in such anime as Sound! Euphonium (Reina Kōsa...
interest

Manga Artist Hisashi Eguchi Takes "Credit" for Hunter × Hunter's Hiatuses

"It's my accomplishment" ― Despite achieving popularity and success, Yoshihiro Togashi's manga series Hunter × Hunter has been plagued with many hiatuses since launching in 1998. Since 2006, it has been on hiatus more than in publication, frustrating fans and bookstores. On the May 12 episode of the Kanto regional talk show Otona no! ("For Adults!"), manga artist Hisashi Eguchi (Stop!! Hibari-kun!) w...
ep. review

Ace Attorney ‒ Episode 7

"Move over, Phoenix Wright. This week's Ace Attorney episode was all about Miles Edgeworth."
news

Romantic Comedy Manga Kyōkasho ni Nai! Gets 2-Part Live-Action Film

2-part film will screen in Tokyo in June, in Osaka in July ― A website launched on Tuesday to announce that Kazuto Okada's Kyōkasho ni Nai! manga is getting a two-part live-action film adaptation. Ryōma Baba (U-31's Atsuhiko Kono, Hakuōki SSL: Sweet School Life The Movie's Keisuke Sannan) and former AKB48 member Ayaka Morikawa will star in the films as Arihiko Tairaku and Aya Shirakaba, respectively....
ep. review

Kiznaiver ‒ Episode 6

"...one of the best episodes the show's pulled together to date."
ep. review

The Lost Village ‒ Episode 7

"I keep expecting this show to go truly off the rails in a way that isn't entertaining to watch, but it actually seems to be getting more confident over time."
interest

Sanrio Moves Forward with Godzilla x Gudetama Goods Campaign

Sanrio is moving forward with its collaboration between the lackadaisical Gudetama and this summer's Godzilla Resurgence (Shin Godzilla) film. The pairing between the unmotivated egg and the destructive lizard was first introduced as part of Sanrio's collaboration poll. The poll hasn't ended yet, but the official Gudetama website announced the collaboration will take place immediately. Starting n...
ep. review

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable ‒ Episode 7

"This is one of those twenty minute episodes that feels more like five."
news

Tsukiuta TV Anime About Anthropomorphized Months Premieres in July

Theme song details, new visual also unveiled ― The official website of Tsukiuta. THE ANIMATION, the television anime adaptation of a music and original drama CD series about anthropomorphized months, revealed the anime's July premiere, theme song single, and a new visual on Tuesday. The anime's theme song single will ship on August 26, and will contain two as-yet untitled theme songs — one each from ...
ep. review

Ushio & Tora ‒ Episode 33

"Ushio & Tora has become wildly affecting, bringing a powerful story to life."
review

The Other Side of Secret GN 1

Blending fanservice with an interesting plot, The Other Side of Secret's first volume shows some potential even as it spends most of its time setting up. ― Don't let the boobs on the cover turn you off – underneath the fanservice element (which will be an added appeal for some readers) is an interesting story about mysterious doors and dark otherworlds. While I wouldn't call this a tame book (althoug...
ep. review

Shōnen Maid ‒ Episode 5

"At this point, I think the show could stand a little more depth, but I'd hate to see it stray too far from its slice-of-life roots."
news

Root Letter Game's English-Subtitled 3rd Trailer Streamed

Kadokawa Games ships PS4/PS Vita adventure game in Japan on June 16 ― Kadokawa Games began streaming the third trailer on Friday for its √Letter (pronounced "Root Letter") PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita adventure game. The video has English subtitles, and highlights the game's three parts: letter, research, and questioning. The company previously streamed the second trailer with English subtitles...
news

Magic-Kyun Renaissance Project Gets TV Anime About Boys at Magical Arts High School

Broccoli, Sunrise, Pony Canyon's project also has PS Vita game, anime shorts ― A television anime adaptation has been green-lit for the Magic-kyun Renaissance multimedia project from the trading card game and character franchise company Broccoli, the animation studio Sunrise, and the video and music company Pony Canyon. The announcement was made during the Magic-kyun Hōsō Iinkai 2-Kyun! program on th...
ep. review

Concrete Revolutio ‒ Episode 19

"Concrete Revolutio is finally coming together and living up to its lofty goals."
news

Servamp TV Anime Reveals More Character Designs, Casts Genki Okawa & Yoji Ueda

Anime based on Strike Tanaka's supernatural manga premieres July ― The official website for the television anime of Strike Tanaka's Servamp manga revealed six new character designs on Tuesday. The website also revealed that the anime has cast Genki Okawa and Yoji Ueda. Genki Okawa as Ryūsei Yoji Ueda as Tōru Shirota Tetsuya Kakihara as Mikuni Alicein Kenjiro Tsuda as JeJe Yuuto Suzuki as Sakuya Watan...
news

5th Flying Witch Petit Short Features Akane, Makoto

Akane teaches Makoto a locking spell in latest spinoff episode ― The official website for the television anime of Chihiro Ishizuka's Flying Witch manga began streaming the fifth Flying Witch Petit short anime episode on Friday. In the episode, Akane teaches Makoto how to use a lock spell to make it so other people can't open her secret notes or spells. Akane tells her to write 13 numbers with a red p...
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Noragami Stage Play Gets New Run in February

Hiroki Suzuki, Keisuke Ueda return to star in new play in Tokyo ― The stage play adaptation of Adachitoka's Noragami manga announced on Saturday that the play will get a new run in February 2017. The staff of the Noragami Aragoto television anime series made the announcement at the "Noragami Aragoto -Matsurigoto-" event on Saturday. The new play will run at the AiiA 2.5 Theater Tokyo, and it will see...
news

Live-Action Wolf Girl and Black Prince Film's TV Ads Streamed

Film based on Ayuko Hatta's just ended shōjo manga opens on May 28 ― The official website for the live-action film of Ayuko Hatta's shōjo manga Wolf Girl & Black Prince (Ōkami Shōjo to Kuro Ōji) began streaming two new television commercials on Friday. The "super sadistic" video previews Kyōya's aggressive personality, and the "goodbye" video teases a break in the lead duo's relationship. The website...
news

Koe Koi Romance Manga Gets Screen Adaptation

1st book volume about boy who wears paper bag on his head ships in June ― The free manga app Comico announced on April 29 that Dōruru's Koe Koi (Voice Love) manga will receive a screen adaptation. The announcement did not state whether the adaptation will be live-action or anime, or in what format (for example, television series, video project, web series, or film). The app also announced that the ma...

Friday, May 13

news

Long Riders! TV Anime Unveils 1st Key Visual

Series about 5 female long-distance cyclists premieres in October ― The staff of the Long Riders television anime series launched an official website on Saturday and unveiled the first key visual. The series will premiere in October. A special "Volume 6.5" of Taishi Miyake's Long Riders! manga will ship in Japan on May 27. The extra volume will include real-life cycling routes and other promotional m...
news

Shōnen Maid's English Broadcast Dub Cast Revealed

Apphia Yu, Seth Magill, Todd Haberkorn, Michelle Rojas star in today's premiere ― North American anime distributor Funimation announced the English broadcast dub cast for the Shōnen Maid anime on Friday. The first dubbed episode premiered on Friday at 8:30 p.m. ET. The cast, under ADR director Caitlin Glass and ADR engineer Domonique French, includes: Apphia Yu as Chihiro Seth Magill as Madoka Todd H...

Hollywood's Godzilla 2 Loses Director Gareth Edwards

"Amicable" split as he pursues personal projects after 2014's Godzilla, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ― Director Gareth Edwards has left the production of Legendary and Warner Bros' Godzilla sequel film. The news source Deadline describes the split as "amicable," as Edwards aims to pursue smaller personal projects after helming 2014's Godzilla film and this year's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The seq...
ep. review

Big Order ‒ Episode 5

"We still have 5 episodes to go, and I fear that the descent into the bottom of the barrel is only beginning."
interest

Orange's Ichigo Takano Illustrates SKY-HI Music Video

Ichigo Takano, the manga creator behind the romantic drama Orange, illustrated the music video for SKY-HI's new single "Chronograph." The single was released in Japan on Wednesday. Takano's Orange manga will be adapted into an anime series this summer by Telecom Animation Film and TMS Entertainment. Seven Seas Entertainment published the original manga in North America, and it describes the manga'...
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Aoshima Reveals 'Transforming' Macross Valkyrie Girl Model Kit Concept

Model maker Aoshima displayed concept art for a planed transforming Macross Valkyrie girl model kit at the 55th Shizuoka Hobby Show on Thursday. The concept would start in the Battroid mode and be able to transform into Fighter and Gerwalk modes. The model kit varies from its Macross Delta counterpart by replacing the mecha-like center with a cute girl. The sketches are dated for December 5, 2016...
news

Tokyo International Film Festival Highlights Mamoru Hosoda, Shunji Iwai

The Boy and the Beast director, The Case of Hana & Alice director ― The 29th annual Tokyo International Film Festival announced on Thursday that its Animation Focus will highlight the works of director Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars, The Boy and the Beast) and its Japan Now section will focus on director Shunji Iwai (The Case of Hana & Alice). Hosoda directed The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Summer Wars,...
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New York Times Manga Best Seller List, May 1-7

3 One-Punch Man volumes, My Hero Academia, One Piece, 3 Tokyo Ghoul volumes, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure, Attack on Titan The New York Times newspaper listed the manga bestsellers in the United States for the week ending on April 30. Rank Prev. Rank Title Author Publisher Weeks on List Cover 1 -One-Punch Man #6 Story: ONE / Art: Yuusuke Murata Viz Media 1 2 -My Hero Academia #4 Kohei Horikoshi Viz Med...
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Merriam-Webster Has Noticed 'Senpai' for Possible Dictionary Addition

Every year, Merriam-Webster considers the latest slang and idioms for possible addition to the unabridged dictionary. Just last month, words and abbreviations like "dox," "microbead," "TMI" and "hella" were added among the 2,000 new entries. The company takes addition seriously with a focus on certain criteria, including longevity of use. One word that's caught the Massachusetts-based company's at...

Koei Tecmo Reveals Battle Videos, Preorder Bonuses for Attack on Titan Game

Preorder bonuses include costumes for Eren, Levi, Mikasa ― Koei Tecmo America began streaming two battle trailers for its upcoming Attack on Titan game on Friday. The first video introduces the basic battle system while the second offers an overview of teamwork in battle. In addition, the company announced that those who preorder the game in America from Amazon, Best Buy, EB Canada, or GameStop will ...
news

Sailor Moon Crystal's 2nd Opening, Ending Footage Streamed Without Credits

Mitsuko Horie, Misato Fukuen perform theme songs ― The official Sailor Moon YouTube channel began streaming clean version of the second opening and ending theme sequences for the Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal: Season III television anime series on Friday. Etsuko Yakushimaru performed the opening theme song "New Moon ni Aishite" (Fall In Love With The New Moon) for the first four episodes, and M...
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Cardcaptor Sakura Teacup Sets Given as Game Prizes

Beginning this month, fans of Cardcaptor Sakura can add teacups to their growing list of collector's merchandise. The two cups are part of prize giveaways at arcades and shops. Cardcaptor Sakura ribbon pins were given away last month. In September, a Sakura figure will become available, followed by a Tomoyo figure and gift pouches in October, pocket watches and brooches in November, and blankets ...
news

Studio Ghibli Co-Produced Film The Red Turtle's Trailer Streamed

Film from Dutch director Michael Dudok de Wit to screen at Cannes, Annecy ― French television news website Télérama posted the first trailer to the Studio Ghibli co-produced film The Red Turtle (La Tortue rouge) on Friday. The Red Turtle is the latest work by award-winning Dutch animator and director Michael Dudok de Wit ("The Monk and the Fish," "Father & Daughter" animated shorts). Studio Ghibli is...
column

Answerman - What Determines Whether Songs In Anime Get Dubbed?

When an anime has a musical number or an insert song, they're only occasionally dubbed into English - why is that, and how are those decisions made? ― Dustin asks: The English dub of Love Live! transitions from English dialogue to the original song performances of the Japanese seiyuu. In other cases like The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, the insert songs are sung in English. What's the process of d...
news

Ai Kayano, Yukari Tamura Join Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan TV Anime's Cast

Series based on Shūichi Asō's manga premieres in July ― This year's 24th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine will announce two more cast members on Monday for the television anime adaptation of Shūichi Asō's Saiki Kusuo no Psi Nan manga. Ai Kayano will play Kokomi Teruhashi and Yukari Tamura will play Chiyo Yumehara. The issue will also reveal the anime character designs for the previousl...
ep. review

Assassination Classroom season 2 ‒ Episode 18

"This episode's success hinges on Assassination Classroom's ability to deliver a serious, compelling action scene, and the show does exactly that."
ep. review

Naruto Shippuden ‒ Episode 460

"In addition to delving into Kaguya's past, we get an extended glimpse of what the show's world was like before the advent of ninjutsu."
daily briefs

Flip Flappers TV Anime Reveals New Key Visual

The staff of the Flip Flappers television anime series revealed a new key visual for the series on Friday. The series will premiere in October. The series will star M.A.O as Papika and Minami Takahashi as Cocona. The story is as follows: How does the world look in your eyes? Papika and Cocona, the heroines of the story, hold the keys to open the door. When the two girls meet, their adventures in a...
news

TRUE, Minami Perform Theme Songs for Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars TV Anime

Minami Kuribayashi changes stage name to Minami ― The official website for Infinite's Regalia: The Three Sacred Stars original television anime series announced on Friday that TRUE will perform the show's opening theme song "Divine Spell," and Minami will perform the ending theme song. The staff has not yet revealed the title for Minami's song. TRUE previously performed theme songs for Sound! Euphoni...
news

Robot Park Attraction to Feature Special Gundam Footage

Attraction opens on July 16, footage screens at theme park's Kirara theater ― The official Gundam.info portal site revealed on Wednesday that a new "Robot no Ōkoku" (Robot Kingdom) attraction at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Nagasaki will feature special Gundam footage. The attraction will open on July 16, and the footage will screen at Huis Ten Bosch's Kirara theater. The new attraction is billed...
news

Natsume Develops Wild Guns Reloaded PS4 Shooter Game

Game is followup to 22-year old SNES game ― Game developer and publisher Natsume announced on Thursday that it is partnering with Natsume Atari Inc. to develop Wild Guns Reloaded for the PlayStation 4. The game is a followup title to Natsume's Wild Guns SNES game released 22 years ago. Natsume will showcase the title during this year's E3 event in June. Natsume describes Wild Guns Reloaded: Wild Guns...

Emi Nitta Event Will Require Bag Searches, Pat-Down Checks

Event takes place on August 20 ― The official website of voice actress Emi Nitta's "Nitta Emi no Emusic Magic" radio program announced last week that her "Tsunraji 100-kai Kinen 'Emi no Ie ~Natsu no Omoide Seisakujo~'" event on August 20 will require bag checks and pat-down searches for all attendees. In addition, attendees are required to bring identification, and are prohibited from bringing sharp ...
news

ReLIFE Stage Play's Cast, Performance Dates Announced

Kensho Ono, Yuichi Nakamura, Taishi Sugie, Seiya Konishi, Akira cast for September play ― The official website for the stage play adaptation of Yayoiso's ReLIFE manga revealed the play's cast and performance dates on Wednesday. The main cast includes: Kensho Ono as Arata Kaizaki Yuichi Nakamura as Ryō Yoake Taishi Sugie as Kazuomi Ōga Seiya Konishi as Akira Inukai Akira as Nobunaga Asaji Kensho Ono a...
news

Naoki Serizawa: 'I Want to Start New Manga Series in Late 2016-Early 2017'

Resident Evil: The Marhawa Desire artist also plans new Saru Lock series ― Manga artist Naoki Serizawa announced on Twitter on Tuesday that he wants to start a new manga series either at the end of this year, or early next year. He noted in the post that he had just met with an editor of Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine. Serizawa stated last November that he plans to begin a new series in Kodansha's...
news

Live-Action Happy Marriage!? Series Reveals Additional Cast

Norika Fujiwara, Jin Shirasu, Mariko Shinoda, Yoichi Nukumizu, more join June series ― The staff of the live-action drama series adaptation of Maki Enjōji's Happy Marriage!? manga announced additional cast for the series on Thursday. The additional cast includes: Norika Fujiwara as Taeko Sōma, Hokuto's secretary Jin Shirasu as Yū Yagami, a new hire under Chiwa's wing Mariko Shinoda as Misaki Shitara,...
news

Crunchyroll Adds 'Ah My Buddha!!' Anime to Catalog

Series offered with English dub, subtitles ― Crunchyroll announced on Thursday that it has added the Ah My Buddha!! anime to its catalog. Crunchyroll is offering the series with both the English dub and the original Japanese audio with English subtitles to users in the United States and Canada. The entire series is available for premium users, while only the first 13 episodes are available for free u...
news

Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari SP 3DS Game Delayed Indefinitely

Game remakes River City Ransom NES game ― The official website of Arc System Works' Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari SP Nintendo 3DS game announced on Wednesday that the game has been indefinitely delayed. The game was previously slated for release on June 2. The developer cites the need to improve the game's quality as the reason for the delay. Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari is a remake of the original NE...
daily briefs

Idea Factory's Mr. Osomatsu Game Listed for PS Vita With 6 Special Editions, Drama CD

Amazon began listing a PlayStation Vita game tentatively titled Osomatsu-san The Game on Thursday, with Idea Factory as the developer. Idea Factory previously announced in January that its Otomate brand — which develops otome romance simulation games intended for female players — is developing a video game based on the Mr. Osomatsu anime. The game's standard edition is priced at 6,804 yen (about U...
daily briefs

Strike Witches Spinoff TV Anime Brave Witches Debuts in Fall

The official website for the Brave Witches spinoff television anime revealed on Friday that the series will premiere this fall. The website also updated with the draft character designs for Alexandra Pokryshkin. The new anime series will center on the 502nd Joint Fighter Wing "Brave Witches," unlike the earlier anime's focus on the 501st Joint Fighter Wing "Strike Witches." Takaaki Suzuki is retur...
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